Ellen Sturgis Hooper (1812–1848)

I SPRANG on life’s free course, I tasked myself,

And questioned what and how I meant to be;

And leaving far behind me power and pelf,

I fixed a goal,—nor farther could I see.

For this I toiled, for this I ran and bled,

And proudly thought upon my laurels there.

Lo, here I stand! all childlike to be led.

My goal, self-fixed, has vanished into air.

I run, I toil, but see not all my way;

Ever more pure it shines into a perfect day.